Bowdoin College
About Bowdoin College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine. One of the most selective colleges in the nation with a 9% acceptance rate, it offers programs in political science, economics, math, and environmental studies, with a 94% graduation rate and a coastal Maine campus.
Founded
1794
Location
Brunswick, Maine
Students
1,873
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
7.1%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
95.3%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,832
Per year
Avg Net Price
$14,398
After financial aid
SAT Average
1520
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$82,735
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 7.1 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 5
With a 7.1% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1520, Bowdoin College is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1520/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
95.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.8%
4-Year Grad
89%
6-Year Grad
94%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
88.9%
$/Student
$42.4K
Class Size
Small
89% of students graduate on time, and with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,832
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,488
Books & Supplies
$840
Total Cost of Attendance
$85,100
After Financial Aid
$14,398
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,145
Receive Grants
17.4%
Take Loans
8.4%
Don't let the $67,832 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $14,398 after financial aid, a 79% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $3,145.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bowdoin College fund their education.
While in School
17.4%
Get Grants
Free money
8.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$61,622
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$196/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 8.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bowdoin College.
Gender
52.1%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,873
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
18.8%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 18.8% are first-generation college students. 6.8% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
1,873
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Bowdoin College fields 16 varsity teams with 766 student athletes, about 41% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
NESCAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
16
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
766
41% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
419
Men
347
Women
12
Men's Teams
14
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Bowdoin Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$82,735
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$76K
85 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$61K
77 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
—
47 grads
Mathematics
$90K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Area Studies
$45K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
English Language and Literature, General
$49K
36 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $62K six years out, climb to $63K by year eight, and reach $83K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bowdoin College
What is the acceptance rate at Bowdoin College?▾
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How much do Bowdoin College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.